Frozen vegetables can be healthier, cheaper, and more convenient than their fresh counterparts. This lesson will teach vocabulary to English learners while exploring topics such as what frozen vegetables are, a list of them, and the best ones to buy.
Frozen Vegetables Names
What Are Frozen Vegetables?
Because frozen vegetables are already washed and usually cut up into easily usable sizes they are really convenient. You may also find they cook much quicker than fresh vegetables so you can easily throw them together in a stir fry or stew. Many supermarkets stock mixed frozen vegetable bags so you can get a greater variety in your diet without a pile of wilting vegetables in your salad drawer.
The cost is a big factor for a lot of people with frozen vegetables sometimes costing as much as 50% less. On top of the initial cost being lower, frozen veg has a much longer shelf life so there is a lot less waste. For someone living alone, it can often be a challenge to get a variety of vegetables every week without them all going bad before you can eat them all, frozen vegetables are the perfect solution for this.
List of Frozen Vegetables
- Broccoli
- Butternut Squash
- Peas
- Spinach
- Carrot
- Corn
- Green beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
What Are the Best Vegetables to Buy Frozen?
Some vegetables are better frozen than others, even with all the benefits some frozen vegetables can be less than enjoyable once cooked (e.g. Brussel sprouts). So which are the best vegetables to buy frozen? Here are 5 favorites and why they are great frozen:
Broccoli
While fresh broccoli lasts only a few days in the fridge frozen broccoli can sit in your freezer for months without spoiling. The main benefit of frozen broccoli over fresh is that it contains up to 400% more beta carotene, which is important for skin and immune health. It is also delicious and you can roast it on a sheet pan just like fresh broccoli.
Butternut Squash
This is such a convenient option for butternut squash, a whole fresh butternut squash can be extremely difficult to cut up, especially with domestic knives. Frozen squash retains its nutrients and holds up wonderfully to the freezing process.
Peas
Garden peas can be hard to find fresh, so frozen are the norm for most people. They are super convenient and only take minutes to cook from frozen. They are also surprisingly high in protein.
Spinach
We have all at one point sautéed a bag of spinach expecting to feed an army only to find it wilts to barely enough for one. Frozen spinach is already wilted so you know ahead of time how much you are getting. There is often up to 4 times the nutrients in frozen spinach compared to fresh spinach.
Carrot
Like squash carrots hold up exceptionally well to the freezing process. They retain all their vitamin C and usually come prechopped so you can add them straight to your stir fry, curry or stew. Frozen carrots do soften a little in the freezing process which is perfect for those who love a softer bite to their carrots.
Green beans
They are a member of the legume family and are related to other beans such as kidney beans and black beans. Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber. They are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a type of vegetable that belong to the Brassica family. They are closely related to other vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. Brussels sprouts are small, leafy green vegetables that resemble miniature cabbages. They are typically harvested in the fall and winter months. Brussels sprouts are a nutritious and healthy food, as they are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a spring vegetable that belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is a perennial plant that grows in a spear-like shape, with a tender, edible tip and a woody stem. Asparagus is a nutrient-dense food that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin K, folate, and vitamin C, and also contains antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds.